Texas Student Loans, Financial Aid & College Costs
Texas College Cost Snapshot (2025-26)
Published tuition and cost-of-attendance averages across Texas institutions.
Top Texas Colleges by Published Tuition (2025-26)
Tuition and fees only. Click any column header to sort.
| School ↕ | Type ↕ | In-state T&F ↕ | Out-of-state T&F ↕ | Undergrad Enroll. ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Austin | Public 4-yr | $11,698 | $41,070 | 41,800 |
| Texas A&M University | Public 4-yr | $13,239 | $40,867 | 57,300 |
| Texas Tech University | Public 4-yr | $12,500 | $24,480 | 33,700 |
| University of Houston | Public 4-yr | $10,856 | $24,872 | 38,300 |
| University of North Texas | Public 4-yr | $11,922 | $22,770 | 37,900 |
| Texas State University | Public 4-yr | $12,358 | $24,106 | 34,300 |
| University of Texas at Arlington | Public 4-yr | $11,498 | $29,018 | 35,300 |
| Rice University | Private | $60,400 | $60,400 | 4,700 |
| Southern Methodist University | Private | $65,130 | $65,130 | 6,800 |
| Baylor University | Private | $55,890 | $55,890 | 15,200 |
| Austin Community College | Community | $3,200 | $12,000 | 40,000 |
Texas State-Funded Aid Programs
Administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
TEXAS Grant
Need-based grant for TX residents at eligible TX public 4-year schools.
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)
Need-based grant for TX residents at TX public 2-year colleges.
Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
Need-based grant for TX residents attending eligible TX private nonprofit colleges.
Texas Armed Services Scholarship
Forgivable scholarship for TX students committed to military service or Texas National Guard.
Student Loan Options for Texas Students
Start with federal aid before considering private loans. Federal borrower protections are stronger and rates are fixed.
Does Texas have a state student loan program?
Yes. Texas residents also have access to Brazos, a nonprofit that lends exclusively to Texas residents. By using their tax-exempt status, they are able to offer low-cost loans! Check out their options here.
The order to follow
- File the FAFSA to unlock federal Pell Grants, Texas state grants, and Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans.
- Apply scholarships and 529 savings before borrowing a dollar. Every $1,000 in free aid saves roughly $1,400 in total loan cost over 10 years.
- Max federal Direct Loans next. Fixed rates, income-driven repayment, and forgiveness programs aren't available on private loans.
- Compare private student loans only for any remaining gap. Shop at least 3 lenders; cosigner rates typically run 1-3 points lower.
Private Student Loan Lenders We Recommend
If you've exhausted federal aid and still need to borrow, these are the lenders we track for rates and terms.
Credible
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Long-established lender with options for undergraduate, graduate, and career training programs.
See Sallie Mae Rates →Advertiser disclosure: The College Investor earns a commission from some of the lenders listed above. Our rankings are independent — compensation does not influence order or editorial recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Texas students and families.
How much does college cost in Texas?
Average in-state tuition and fees at Texas public four-year universities is about $10,800 for 2025-26. Total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses) averages roughly $26,100 on campus for Texas residents and $36,200 for non-residents.
What is the average student loan debt in Texas?
Texas borrowers carry an average federal student loan balance of roughly $32,400. Total outstanding federal student debt for Texas residents is approximately $136.3 billion.
Does Texas offer state-funded college grants?
Yes. Texas administers TEXAS Grant (need-based, covers average public tuition), TEOG (community college need-based), Top 10% Scholarship ($2,000 for top 10% grads), TEG (private college grant), and the Texas Armed Services Scholarship.
Does Texas have a state student loan program?
Yes. Texas offers student loans via Brazos.
Which Texas colleges have the lowest in-state tuition?
TX community colleges average $3,200 per year. UH is the lowest four-year public at $10,856, followed by UT Arlington and UT Austin. Texas A&M is higher at $13,239.
What scholarships are available for Texas residents?
Key awards include TEXAS Grant, TEOG, Top 10% Scholarship, TEG, Texas Armed Services Scholarship, and the Texas College Access Loan. Rice, SMU, and Baylor offer substantial institutional aid.
Related Texas Resources
How We Sourced This Data
- Institutional cost pages at Texas public universities (2025-26 published rates)
- Education Data Initiative state-level debt and cost tables
- THECB program pages
- NCES IPEDS data for enrollment and institutional cost profiles
Editor: Clint Proctor Reviewed by: Claire Tak